Plant Sciences Commons^™

Field Research Report: Results From The Enreec Vri Field For The 2021, 2022, And 2023 Crop Seasons, Derek M. Heeren, Ali T. Mohammed, Eric Wilkening, Christopher M. U. Neale, Alan L. Boldt, Ankit Chandra, Precious Nneka Amori, Ivo Z. Goncalves, Yeyin Shi, Guillermo R. Balboa

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Long-term irrigation management research has been conducted from 2014 to 2023 for corn and soybean at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center (ENREEC) Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) Field located in subhumid east-central Nebraska (in the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District). The objective of this report was to present the overall results from the VRI Field for 2021 to 2023. Across the three growing seasons, there were the following irrigation treatments: Best Management Practice (BMP), 50% BMP, 125% BMP, rainfed, Spatial ET Modeling Interface (SETMI), SDD1, SDD2, machine-learning-based Cyber-Physical System (CPS), a student team recommended rate, and industry …

Fungicide Resistance: Surveillance, Risk Assessment And Evolution In Two Soil-Borne Pathogens, Nikita Gambhir

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Fungicide-resistant pathogens are an increasing threat to fungicide efficacy and plant health. The goal of this dissertation was to advance the foundational knowledge required to prevent and detect fungicide resistance development in the seedling disease pathogen, Rhizoctonia zeae and the white-mold pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Corn and soybean fields in 12 states (IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, and WI) were surveyed for R. zeae. In vitro fungicide sensitivity was determined for 91 isolates to fludioxonil, sedaxane, and/or prothioconazole. Rhizoctonia zeae was sensitive to all fungicides (EC₅₀ < 3 µg/ml) except azoxystrobin (EC₅₀ > 100 µg/ml). In planta application of …

Effects Of Different Water And Nitrogen Regimens On Yield Of Winter Wheat Produced In Nebraska, Joseph Emory Davis

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Wheat is the 3rd most prominent crop in the USA and approximately 50% is exported annually. Nebraska wheat production is 11^th in the country, and it plays a major role in the state's agricultural economy, especially in western NE. Generally, wheat is grown under dryland conditions and the region grows much more wheat on unirrigated land than it does on irrigated. However, deficit irrigation has shown great value in producing high yielding wheat with much less water than needed for other crops. Finding new ways to leverage irrigation in wheat production may help address the need to produce food …

Maize Yield And Components As Influenced By Environment And Agronomic Management, Jeremy J. Milander

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Yield component analysis research on dent maize and waxy maize (Zea mays L.) as related to crop management is limited in Europe and the United States. Two research studies were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at Mead and North Platte, NE and Zagreb, Croatia with the objective to determine the influence of environment, water regime, hybrid, and plant population on maize yield and yield components. Grain yield, ears m^-2, kernels ear^-1, kernels row^-1, rows ear^-1, ear length and circumference, and kernel weight were measured. Environment and water regime altered maize yield …

A Review Of Cover Crops For Eastern Nebraska, Tyler Williams

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The focus of this project is two fold, first to provide a short literature review of cover crops (CC) and then discuss the results from a field experiment that was designed to evaluate the nitrogen contribution from cover crop mixes to the subsequent corn crop. The literature review will focus on the aspects of CC that are related to the field of study. Cover crops, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are crops that are agronomically sound and grown for the purpose of erosion control or other objectives related to conservation or soil improvement. Cover crops …

Grain Sorghum Opportunities For The Future, Stephen C. Mason

INTSORMIL Presentations

Contains statistics about sorghum growing in the United States and world wide, with a focus on Nebraska.

Grain sorghum is an important crop worldwide, but has become a minor crop in Nebraska

Largely replaced by maize and soybean as major commodity crops

Small investment in research in both private and public sectors

Yield has increased more slowly for grain sorghum than for other crops

Modern maize hybrids and soybean varieties have increased stress tolerance, thus reducing this advantage of grain sorghum

Management is easier for corn and soybean than for sorghum – particularly weed control

Grain sorghum has lower cost …

Grain Yield And Yield-Related Qtl Validation Using Reciprocal Recombinant Inbred Chromosome Lines In Wheat, Neway C. Mengistu

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Grain yield and yield-related traits are the most important economic factors for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement. Grain yield (GYLD) and yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were previously identified by using a population of recombinant inbred chromosome lines (RICLs) developed from cultivar ‘Cheyenne’ (CNN) and its substitution line CNN(WI3A), where the 3A chromosome of cultivar ‘Wichita’ (WI) was substituted for the CNN chromosome 3A. The objectives of this study were to identify and validate GYLD and yield-related QTLs previously identified in CNN(RICLs-3A) studies by using the mirror population WI(RICLs-3A), where chromosome 3A of CNN and WI were now …

Cellulosic Ethanol: The Benifits, Obstacles, And Implications For Nebraska, Cassidee Lin Thompson

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract Ethanol is a biofuel that has unique capabilities to mitigate global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously supporting rural economies and decreasing the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. Currently, the state of Nebraska depends on corn ethanol, which may be unsustainable. Cellulosic ethanol is a promising alternative but it is not without its problems, including high production costs and potential environmental damage. This thesis is an attempt to understand the benefits, downfalls, and processes of corn-based and cellulosic ethanol and the potential implications to Nebraska. This research should shed some light on the current obstacles …

Changes In Producer Attitudes Towards Windbreaks In Eastern Nebraska, 1983 To 2009, Kim Tomczak

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract Windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs arranged on the landscape to reduce wind speed. In agricultural landscapes we find them as farmstead windbreaks, livestock windbreaks and field windbreaks. While farmstead and livestock windbreaks are well accepted by the agricultural community, field windbreaks are often viewed differently. A 1982 study of the attitudes of farmers in Eastern Nebraska indicated that many of the producers were around the age of 50 and that they used different types of windbreaks. This study repeated that survey in the same. When compared to data from 1982, farmers today are not educated about the …

Soybean Chlorosis Studies On High Ph Bottomland Soils, E. J. Penas, R. A. Wiese, R. W. Elmore, G. W. Hergert, R. S. Moomaw

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Soybean varieties are different in tolerance to lime-induced chlorosis. Field trials were conducted to evaluate variety performance on soils where chlorosis in soybeans was a known problem. Thirty-six varieties out of 177 were identified as tolerant to soil conditions that cause chlorosis. Eleven varieties of these 36 were found to have the most consistent yield performance on high pH soils. Tolerant varieties must be planted at adequate densities for best performance. A seeding rate of 13.5 seeds per foot of row, the highest seeding rate employed, did not appear to maximize yield on soils where chlorosis was severe. On some …

Pesticide Use On Crops In Nebraska - 1987, Maurice Baker, Nancy Peterson, Shripat T. Kamble

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

This is the third and most comprehensive study of pesticide use on crops in Nebraska. The first was completed in 1978 and the second one in 1982. The first study indicated that approximately 25 million pounds (11.34 million kg) of active ingredients were used on the major crops in Nebraska. This increased to approximately 30.2 million pounds (13.7 million kg) in 1982. The USDA requires accurate information to meet their responsibilities. Thus, this survey was undertaken to determine: 1) the use of pesticides on crops, pasture and rangeland and 2) to identify pest management practices.

Vegetation Patterns In Relation To Topography And Edaphic Variation Nebraska Sandhills Prairie, P. W. Barnes, A. T. Harrison, S. P. Heinisch

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Detailed studies on soil texture and moisture retention indicate a close association between edaphic features and the distribution and composition of plant communities along topographic gradients at Arapaho Prairie, a typical, semi-arid Nebraska Sandhills prairie. The vegetation characteristics of three major habitat types (ridge, slope, and valley) and several minor subtypes (swale, stable ridge, and eroding ridge) are recognized and quantitatively described. Texture analysis indicates that the soils of dune slopes and ridges are largely azonal and are very coarse with substantially lower fine fractions (silt-clay ~ 13-15%) than soils of the more lowland swale and valley sites where surfact …

Effects Of No-Tillage Fallow As Compared To Conventional Tillage In A Wheat-Fallow System, C. R. Fenster, G. A. Peterson

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The benefits of reducing tillage by use of herbicides for weed control emphasizes why research was started to study a fallow system where all tillage was replaced by herbicides. Wheat planting was then the only soil disturbing operation. Objectives of the research were to compare the effects of no-tillage (chemical), stubble-mulch and plow (bare fallow) systems of fallow on: 1. Grain yield. 2. Grain protein. 3. Residue retention. 4. Soil nitrate-nitrogen accumulation. 5. Soil water accumulations during fallow. Data presented are in the form of a progress report. These experiments will continue.

Forage Quality Evaluations Of Twelve Grasses In Relation To Season For Grazing, L. C. Newell, W. J. Moline

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

A study of forage quality in relation to seasonal yield of important perennial forage grasses was initiated to provide information and to promote a better understanding of their best use for grazing. This information should be particularly valuable in planning seasonal use of pure stands or mixtures of grasses.

Sulfur Fertilization Of Alfalfa And Corn On The Sandy Soils Of Nebraska, G. W. Rehm

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Objectives of these studies were: 1. To determine the effect of various S fertilizers and rates of S application on the yield of both alfalfa and corn grown on sandy soils. 2. To determine the residual effects of a single application of S fertilizer on the production of alfalfa. 3. To measure the influence of S fertilizers and the rate of S applied on the S content of corn and alfalfa tissue and S uptake by these two crops. 4. To develop a soil testing procedure which accurately predicts the requirement for the application of S fertilizers to alfalfa and …

Results Of The First High Protein-High Lysine Wheat Observation Nursery Grown In 1975, K. D. Wilhelmi, S. L. Kuhr, V. A. Johnson, P. J. Mattern

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

This is the first report of results from a high protein-high lysine observation (HP-HL) nursery organized in 1974 by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under a contract with the Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State. Primary objectives of this nursery are to: (1) Systematically provide breeders and cooperators with superior genetic germplasm for elevated levels of protein and/or lysine. (2) Test the degree of expression of the high protein and high lysine traits in a diverse array of environments.

Bionomics Of Insects Associated With Corn In The Nebraska Sandhills, J. L. Wedberg, J. B. Campbell, T. J. Helms

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Investigations were conducted in the Nebraska Sandhills to determine the impact of transition from grassland to irrigated corn on selected insect species, to identify indigenous species that may be economically important to corn production, and to provide a point of reference for future development of pest management programs for irrigated corn.

Leaf Freckles And Wilt Of Corn Incited By Corynebacterium Nebraskense Schuster, Hoff, Mandel, Lazar, 1972, M. L. Schuster

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The new bacterial disease Leaf Freckles and Wilt (LFW) of corn (Zea mays L.) was first observed in 1969 on two farms in southcentral Nebraska. Since then it has spread to other areas in the state. LFW is a serious disease on farms in six Nebraska counties (Clay, Custer, Dawson, Furnas, Hall and Phelps) and has been found in isolated cases in at least 28 other counties. In 1971 LFW was found in a seedcorn field in western Iowa, in 1973 in two Kansas counties, and in 1974 in South Dakota and Colorado. Because of its explosive nature, several …

The Effect Of 2,4-D, Grazing Management And Nitrogen Fertilizer On Pasture Production, M. K. Mccarty, M. L. Cox, D. L. Linscott

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Many pastures in eastern Nebraska and surrounding areas have gradually decreased in productivity. Over a long period of heavy grazing, native warm-season grasses have been largely replaced with Kentucky bluegrass, other less desirable grasses, and broadleaf weeds. A program was started in 1949 to study the effectiveness of protection from grazing in changing the botanical composition and yield of a pasture where the predominant forage was Kentucky bluegrass. Several weed control treatments were included in this experiment to determine if mowing or spraying would hasten the return of more desirable forage. After weed control and differential grazing treatments had been …

Date Of Planting Studies Of Winter Wheat And Winter Barley In Relation To Root And Crown Rot Grain Yields And Quality, C. R. Fenster, M. G. Boosalis, J. L. Weihing

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

This study was undertaken to determine the nature of root and crown rot of wheat and to ascertain the proper time to plant winter wheat so as to conserve moisture, minimize root and crown rot and thereby maximize yield. Studies conducted for 15 years at several locations in western Nebraska reveal that planting date is a significant factor for higher yields, particularly in certain years.

Effect Of Fertilization And Management On The Production Of Bromegrass In Northeast Nebraska, G. W. Rehm, W. J. Moline, E. J. Schwartz, R. S. Moomaw

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Several experiments were conducted in northeast Nebraska to determine the effect of fertility and management practices on the production of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss). The effectiveness of the various fertilizer treatments was measured in units of dry matter produced per acre as well as beef produced per acre. Results of these studies showed that the production of bromegrass pastures in Nebraska could be markedly improved through proper fertilization.

Results Of The First International Winter Wheat Performance Nursery, J. E. Stroike, V. A. Johnson, J. W. Schmidt, P. J. Mattern

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The International Winter Wheat Performance Nursery was organized by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under a contract with the Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State. There has been informal cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico, D. F. Specific objectives of the nursery are to: (1) Test the adaptation of winter wheat varieties under a range of latitudes, daylengths, fertility conditions, water management and disease complexes (2) Identify superior winter varieties to serve as recipient genotypes for …

Performance Evaluation Of Some Warm-Season Prairie Grasses In Nebraska Environments, D. D. Warnes, L. C. Newell, W. J. Moline

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Objectives of these experiments were to study and compare establishment of stands, fertility responses, and forage yields of certain warm-season grass varieties and experimental strains in Nebraska locations which differed in soil and climatic conditions.

Growing Proso In Nebraska, P. H. Grabouski

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

Proso, sometimes called "hog millet," is receiving attention in the Nebraska Panhandle as a dryland grain crop because of acreage restrictions and limited crop alternatives.

Sulfur Fertilizers For Alfalfa Production In Nebraska, R. L. Fox, A. D. Flowerday, F. W. Hosterman, H. F. Rhoades, R. A. Olson

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

In order to elaborate all aspects of the sulfur problem in alfalfa production, a series of field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments was initiated to determine: 1. The influence of sulfur fertilization on the yield of alfalfa in Nebraska. 2. The influence of sulfur fertilization on the protein, vitamin A, and sulfur contents of alfalfa. 3. The sulfur supplying capacities of various soils under field and greenhouse conditions. 4. The sulfur content of precipitation at widely scattered points in Nebraska. 5. Soil properties associated with sulfur deficiency. 6. Optimum methods for estimating the sulfur status of soils by soil testing. The …

Yields In Different Cropping Systems And Fertilizer Tests Under Stubble Mulching And Plowing In Eastern Nebraska, F. L. Duley

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The material in this report will be confined chiefly to studies on crop production with stubble-mulching compared with plowing. Major cash crops have been studied in different rotations including legumes and non-legume crops. In all tests, plowing has been compared with subsurface tillage. Different types of equipment have been devised and tested for the various operations during the course of these studies.

Revised Grain Standards...Their Effect On Nebraska Wheat In 1957, J. A. Goodding, C. J. Miller

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

Although Federal grain standards for Hard Red Winter Wheat were revised in 1957, a Nebraska Experiment Station study shows that the new regulations had very little effect on grades received by wheat marketed at country points by Nebraska farmers in 1957. Results of the study are described in this circular.

Effect Of Time Of Cutting On Yield And Botanical Composition Of Prairie Hay In Southeastern Nebraska, Elverne C. Conard, Vincent H. Arthaud

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Approximately three and one-third million acres of native prairie are harvested annually in Nebraska for hay. In the four-year period 1948-1951, the State ranked first in wild hay production with an average yield of more than two and one-quarter million tons per year. This crop is an important natural resource in Nebraska's livestock industry. Studies were initiated in 1945 to determine the effects of time of cutting on the yield and feeding value of prairie hay in southeastern Nebraska. The studies were continued through the summer of 1952 to determine the effects of different cutting treatments on the vigor and …

Field Bean Production Under Irrigation In Nebraska, F. V. Pumphrey

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

The purpose of this bulletin is to bring together the latest information available on the production of dry edible beans under irrigation in Nebraska. Cultural practices and disease control are stressed, but included are items on marketing, cleaning, and the use of by-products - straw and cull beans.

Rate Of Potato Tuber Growth On Dryland At The Box Butte Experiment Farm, H. O. Werner

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

Relatively late planting of potatoes, i.e., between June 12 and 25, has become the prevailing practice in the dryland areas of western Nebraska. Late planting distinctly improves the color and type of tubers, and reduces losses due to insects and diseases (especially soil-borne diseases caused by Fusarium and Streptomyces). Growers must decide each year whether the increase in yield and tuber maturity gained by delaying harvest will be offset by the risk of impaired tuber quality due to scab or possible serious field frost damage. Information about the rate at which tubers are developing by various dates is essential …